Tributes paid to Derry GAA legend Colm Mulholland following his death

Tributes have been paid to a former Derry GAA legend who has sadly died at the age of 96.

Colm Mulholland, from Lavey, passed away yesterday, Friday, July 25.

A death notice states that Colm was the 'beloved husband of the late Mairead and loving father of Don, Sinead Higgins, Martina O’Connor and Brid. Much loved grandfather of Catherine, Dan, Anna, Kate, Conall, Joe, Charlie, Michael, James, Don and Colm.'

He was also the 'son of the late Dan and Elizabeth. Brother of Rosa Morris and Attracta Ferentinos and the late Ave, Eithne Rainey, Brian, Marie O’Donnell, Hubert and Dees.'

Colm, a member of the Derry county side that reached the All-Ireland final in 1958, won an Ulster title with the Oak Leafers in the same year.

He represented his county at senior level for 13 years, taking in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Leading the tributes Derry GAA described him as 'a Rolls-Royce centre-half-back and a proud Lavey man'.

"Colm was recognised throughout Ireland as one of the leading footballers of his generation," the statement said.

"His passing is a reminder of the great legacy that has been passed on to our current players - one we are deeply proud of.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Colm's family circle and the Gaels of Erin's Own, Lavey, where he served as honorary club president."

Erin’s Own GAC Lavey described him as 'one of the finest players ever to wear the Derry jersey'

In a social post, Erin’s Own GAC Lavey stated: "The club are deeply saddened at the passing of one of our 'all-time greats,' former player and Honorary President, Colm Mulholland.

"An extremely gifted and talented gaelic footballer, Colm played centre-half back for both Lavey and Derry with great distinction from the mid-1940's to early 1960's. Playing alongside his brother Brian, Colm was a proud member of the Lavey senior football team which won the Derry League and Championship 'Double' in 1954.

"Along with his close friend and fellow Lavey player Tommy Doherty, Colm played in the first ever Derry GAA senior football team to reach an All-Ireland senior football final in Croke Park in 1958.

"Colm's raw talent and gifted style of play made him one of the finest players ever to wear the Derry jersey. A dedicated club man Colm was always extremely keen to see Lavey teams excel in all codes and in all age groups.

"To his son Don, daughters' Sinead (Higgins) Martina (O Connor) and Brid, grandchildren Catherine, Dan, Anna, Kate, Conall, Joe, Charlie, Michael, James, Don and Colm, brother of Rosa Morris and Attracta Ferentinos we extend our deepest sympathies.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

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Colm will be reposing in J. A. Gormley’s Funeral Home, 1 Main St, Maghera today (Saturday, July 26) from 3.00pm unto removal to St. Mary’s Church, Lavey, arriving approximately 7.30pm.

Requiem Mass will be held at 11.00am on Sunday, July 27 2025. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

Requiem Mass can be viewed at: https://churchmedia.tv/camera/church-of-our-lady-of-mercy.